Google Launched Flutter 2 for Supporting Multiple Platforms

Flutter is a UI framework created by Google to be a mobile app development toolkit that is free and open source. Released in May 2017, it allows users to make a native mobile application with a single codebase. This means that with one programming language and one codebase, two different apps, for iOS and Android, can be made. 

The new version of Flutter, Flutter 2, was launched on March 3rd, 2021 at the Flutter Engage event.

If you’ve looked at mobile app development in Sydney, then you’ll be interested in the new offerings Flutter has. 

What’s new in Flutter 2?

1. Flutter's Desktop Support

Some of the new desktop support options include native experience improvements, like the ability to edit text on all supported platforms, and the infusion of foundational features like text selection pivot points.

There is now a built-in context menu for TextField widgets, TextFormField for material design languages and Cupertino. The ReorderableListView widget now has Grab handles.

The Flutter 2 launch also introduced command-line argument management for Flutter apps, and there are updates to docs, on which developers should prepare their desktop apps before they deploy them to their respective OS stores. 

2. Flutter’s Web Support

By far the best announcement, the web foundation is no longer document focused. It now circulates richer platform APIs which enable ultra-sophisticated apps that use hardware-accelerated 2D and graphics, paint APIs, and flexible layouts.

Google also added web-specific features like address bar URL control, routing, and text autofill.

There is also a Link Widget so that a mobile app running in the browser will feel like a web app. 

3. Flutter Fix

There is now a unique command-line option in the Dart CLI tool (called Dart Fix) that can search for a list of undesired APIs and how to use them to upgrade code.

There is also an updated set of Flutter extensions for VS code, Android Studio IDEs, and Intellij. They can also provide a similar list of solutions. 

4. Flutter’s Extended Portability

Canonical collaborated with Google to bring Flutter to desktop, and app developers can use Linux to render code.

Microsoft increases support for Flutter across the increasing number of foldable Android devices.

And finally, Toyota announced that they would develop infotainment systems enabled by flutter for their vehicles. 

5. App-to-App

Developers can now add Flutter to existing iOS and Android apps with the App-to-App feature, which allows Flutter code to be reused across platforms while saving existing native code. 

6. Launching of Dart 2.12 for Supporting Sound Null Safety

This safety can prevent any cringe null reference exceptions. If the developer so chooses, they can use Dart 2.12 to render assurances at development. There is also a consistent application of FFI, a new profiler tooling written with Flutter, several size and performance improvements that can upgrade code for free. 

7. Flutter DevTools

A new feature in DevTools is the ability to use Android Studio, Visual Studio Code or IntelliJ to notice where there are basic exceptions and renders to bring it up in DevTools for debugging.

There is also the ability to see a photo in a higher resolution than it is shown in. 

8. Google Mobile Ads to Beta: the upcoming Flutter ecosystem

Flutter’s Google Mobile Ads works well with AdMob and AdManager, and can render different ad formats, mixing native, banner, rewarded video ads, and interstitial. 

Flutter mobile app development is not just available for app developers. It is free to use and open-source, so anyone can use it. If you haven’t yet, you should definitely try the new, upgraded experience that allows for a unique mobile app development experience. 

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